This year we were promised some new 29″ers by the BC company and you can assume I was excited to see them and show them to you. But you can imagine my surprise when upon entering the presentation we were kindly asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement to not show any pictures of the bikes presented to us before June 1st! Ouch!!

All I can show you picture-wise are the bikes still covered in blankets

So, while this post was supposed to be a true highlight start for the German site – it turns out to be more of an announcement of some new ROCKY MOUNTAIN 29″er bikes in about
a month´s time.

Just this much for now – read through the posts done in 2011 (linked above) and you may just get a notion of where the lineup is still missing a link or two (and in reality, the
missing link actually is more like four closely related links ).

OK, enough said. Believe me – I sooo would have like to share the news with you, but because of the above reasons we simply cannot. Besides we here at Twentynineinches – Europe will also be covering the upcoming Garda Bike Festival starting in a couple of days … hopefully catching some more and exciting 29″er news for you.

Until then – stay tuned and RIDE ON,
c_g

Twenty Nine Inches - 29er Bike Reviews, Rumors and News

Testing Products from FOX RACING, VREDESTEIN, SUNRACE (and a goodie from ACROS)

What a show! Those of you who have followed my Eurobike coverage, will know that this year 29″ers have landed here in Europe for good. In many cases when talking about new products, availability had been open or set to 2012. In some rare cases we heard them to be ready soon … here are some that have been ready even sooner .

Additionally we give you some other product intro of pieces we picked up during or immediately after the show which might catch your attention.

1. FOX Racing F32 29 Talas Terralogic QR15 Factory Series

(http://www.foxracingshox.com)

Very hot and directly from the assembly line we received this top of the line suspension fork, that features all of FOX´s technology:

TALAS 2- adjustable travel 95 to 120 mm via blue knob on the upper left leg. Simple and easy.
FIT – damper cartridge for best performance and light weight.
TERRALOGIC – shock sensitive lockout, that promises a stable platform while providing active suspension when needed.
KASHIMA Coating – stanchion coating with the lowest friction index and smoothest suspension action (besides looking really cool, don´t you think )
QR15 – thru axle dropouts with quick release convenience.
All that in a moderately heavy package of 1870 g (uncut steerer) and in a prestigious black/gold finish.

The only thing lacking is the new 34 mm casing and stanchions but given the 15 mm thru axle we see little need for more stiffness. Swapping the front axle on the AMERICAN CLASSIC All Mountain front wheel to 15 mm thru axle took me about 5 minutes and 2 narrow 19 mm open wrenches – not as easy as switching end caps but easily done and probably a bit stiffer.

The timing of the FOX fork´s arrival couldn’t have been better as I have just concluded review of the GERMAN:A Xcite Criterion 29″er fork (here). It will see some riding on my trusted OS Blackbuck steel frame before it will go onto another bike, which we hope to receive soon.

2. VREDESTEIN 29″er tires

(www.vredestein.com)

VREDESTEIN have been awesome in sending us a set of samples of each tire they have in 29″er size just briefly after the show. These tires have been introduced already here in the course of my Eurobike coverage and now they are ours to ride.

The tires on test are:

Spotted Cat 2.0 (measured at 595 & 605 g)
Black Panther 2.2 (635 & 650 g)
Black Panther Extreme 2.2 (675 & &90 g)
(all are the tubeless ready versions)

While I have just come off reviewing a micro-knobby tire (the SNYCROS Flavor, final verdict here), I mounted the Spotted Cat first front and rear to prove its worth while the conditions are still more favorable. I expect it won´t be long before the trails call out for a more aggressive tread design.

3. SUNRACE driven MX drive train

(www.sunrace.com)

Everyone knows the two big “S” in drive trains (SRAM and SHIMANO). SUNRACE – unfortunately another “S” – is still fairly unknown in the MTB world. The driven series is their first take in a performance group sets. It consist of two lines, the top end MZ group set which besides being more bling (by features like carbon reinforced cranks, titanium bottom bracket spindle and ceramic bearings) shares the identical shifting technology as the next in line MX group, which is what we will be riding. The groups are not brand new either (having been available in 2011 already) but we have been given the opportunity to run it on one of our bikes and see how it performs.

The parts we´ll be running are:

Alloy triple crank set (22/32/44, 175 mm, 6061 forged alloy, glossy black finish, Cro-Mo spindle, ~ 740 g)
MX External bottom bracket (for 68/73 mm BSA BB, 120 g, silver anodized bearing cups)
MX Long cage rear derailleur (251 g, 2:1 ratio, powder coated and machined over)
MZ 11-34 cassette (9-spd, 291 g, titanium-aluminum nitride matte grey finish)
MZ 9-spd chain (blingy gold finish that matches the FOX´s KASHIMA coating nicely )
9-spd shifters (lower end – not belonging to the DRIVEN groups, 2 x 165 g)
(The front derailleur which we also received, doesn’t fit on my Blackbuck due to the narrow tire clearance and therefore had to be excluded from testing.)

I have to admit that a 9-spd drive train with a 2:1 actuation ratio is a bit outdated when introducing as a modern group set. Having only a BSA bottom bracket available in times where more and more frames are running on a Press Fit standard also is plain awkward – but that is not why we will be running these components. (Besides, for someone like me – who still favors thumb shifters over any modern trigger type – being modern is of little relevance )

For me running this system is really to indicate what SUNRACE has already accomplished in terms of shifting action, reliability and overall performance. I am sure they are aware of the apparent shortcomings and have something 10-spd cooking already for next season. For me, if the system proves to be trail worthy, then I am happy to give it a go. If not, then it will not be on my bike for very long and I´ll return to the one of the BIG S-companies.

Wait for my experiences to be posted as the fall commences and riding conditions turn grimmer.

5. Goodie: ACROS logo grips (with laser etched end caps)

Last but not least we have picked up a set of cool personalized grips by German component manufacturer ACROS. These folks don´t only do high end precision headsets, bottom brackets and hubs – and lately a hydraulic shifting set – but also do a some branded bars, grip and other components. (They even have a 29″er wheelset to be released soon )

As a special feature ACROS brought their laser etching machine to the trade show and you could get your personalized end caps laser etched and so we got ourselves a set with TNI specific end caps. But they offer this service to anyone year round: You can have them personalized on order anytime for a few Euros extra. The set A-Grips weighs 123 g and retails for € 17,95.

How about a personalized set for your riding buddy or club?

Wait for my ride impressions on these components in the coming weeks.

RIDE ON,

c_g

Twenty Nine Inches - 29er Bike Reviews, Rumors and News

Kirk shared with us that the rim design is going to be offered across all three mountain bike standards, 26″er, 650B, and 29″er sizes. Following are the 650B specs and features…

TL28 650b Rim Specifications:

* Size:650b – ISO 584
* Width:28.0mm
* Inner bead width: 23mm
* Section Height: 18mm
* ERD: 567mm
* Weight (650b): 409g
* Welded Construction
* Disc only
* Hole Count: 32
* Color: Black

** Available Mid-November

Here are the 29″er rim’s features and information as sent to us by Kirk:

TL28 29″er Rim Specifications:

* Size:29? – ISO 622
* Width:28.0mm
* Inner bead width: 23mm
* Section Height: 18mm
* ERD: 604mm
* Weight (29?): 438g
* Welded Construction
* Disc only
* Hole Count: 32
* Color: Black

** Available Mid-November

Kirk says that the TL28 will be a single eyelet design, so the spoke bed will have some reinforcement. At the claimed 438gm, we think this will become a highly desired rim, especially since the inner width is so generous. This is good from a tire support standpoint, and should allow tires to “work” the terrain better at the lower air pressures that tubeless set ups lend themselves to. We’re looking forward to checking these out when they become available.

MSRP is slated to be set at $85.00 USD each and the TL28′s should become available mid-November through Kirk Pacenti’s site. Kirk also is planning a dealer direct/consumer direct model to sell these, but nothing specific has been decided as of this posting.

Thanks to Kirk Pacenti for sharing this information and the images with TNI.

Twenty Nine Inches - 29er Bike Reviews, Rumors and News

Twenty Nine Inches has sent our European contributor, c_g, to ferret out what he can of the multitudinous entries into the 29″er ranks from Europe’s brands which are reportedly flocking to add new 29″er models to their line ups for 2012. We don’t expect we’ll be able to cover everything given that the field of play is so big now, and we have but one player upon it!

It is interesting to note that only two short years ago, you would have been hard pressed to find 29″ers at Eurobike. They were there, yes, but in far fewer numbers than what we expect c_g will find this week as he walks the floors of Eurobike.

Stay tuned! We expect our first reports to start coming in soon, and we will feature Eurobike coverage the rest of this week and into next.

Twenty Nine Inches - 29er Bike Reviews, Rumors and News

Niner Bikes Announces Updated AIR 9 and EMD 9 Hard Tails:

Updated AIR 9 (Image courtesy of Niner Bikes)

Niner Bikes reveals two new designs for the venerable AIR 9 and EMD 9 respectively which will be “available immediately”, according to Niner Bikes. The big news here is hydro-formed tubes throughout, and a move from Scandium to a “alloy based on the 6000 series”. Niner states that hydro-formed tubes, which allow for more complex shapes, butting, and more strength with lighter weight, are simply not possible with Scandium. Thus the move to the new alloy series. Following is some info from Niner Bikes’ press release explaining the benefits of the new alloy.

• Our new alloy tubing produces a stronger Air 9 frame than the previous material. In testing, the new Air 9 is
stiffer than previous round-tube models.

• The new Air 9 will win more races. The net effect of a lighter, stronger and stiffer frame with better ride feel is a faster bike.


New graphic designs for the AIR 9 (Image courtesy of Niner Bikes)

The AIR 9 features up to date details like the tapered steer tube compatible head tube, PressFit 30 bottom bracket, and even the chain stays and seat stays are hydro-formed. New graphic treatments bring the look in line with Niner’s carbon offerings and matches up well with their popular carbon fork.

Niner Bikes claims a raw frame weight savings of 70 grams over the older Scandium frame, but are quick to point out that with the newer head set and bottom bracket configurations, riders stand to save even more weight, since these newer components tend to weigh less.

New EMD 9: The budget minded EMD 9 did not escape the hydro-former and also sports the new alloy, just like the AIR 9.

New EMD 9 in Hot Tamale. (Image courtesy of Niner Bikes)

Instead of an entire frame of hydro-formed tubes, the EMD 9 has only the down tube hydro-formed with the addition of a larger diameter top tube. The head tube supports tapered steer tube forks, but the bottom bracket remains a traditional European type, to cater to riders swapping parts over from previously owned frames.

The look gets a make-over to fit in with the rest of the Niner family of hard tails and still sports all the faced and finish details of previous Niner hard tail frames, including a faced and reamed head set, and faced disc brake mounts. Finally, since the new alloy is anodizer friendly, the EMD will be offered in a lighter, stealthier black ano.
Editors Note: We have been tipped off by a commenter that the EMD 9 IS NOT going to be offered in black anodized finish, but rather a matte black paint. This has been confirmed by Niner Bikes who mentioned that the press release sent to us was in error on this point. Twenty Nine Inches apologizes for any misunderstandings this may have caused.

Look for more coverage from the Eurobike and Interbike shows.

Surly Bikes Announces Bigger, Fatter, and a new 29″er:

Surly Bikes “Moonlander” floatation bike. Image courtesy of Surly Bikes)

The much rumored and talked about Moonlander was revealed today on Surly Bikes’ blog. But that isn’t all they announced! First though, let’s explain the Moonlander. It is a bigger, floatier version of a Pugsley, if you will. Fitted with Surly’s new “Big Fat Larry”, which is listed as a 4.7″ wide tire, these tires will easily measure 29 inches in diameter, and are designed to float you over snow, mud, or small cars! (Well…..maybe not small cars, but you can not deny the “monster-truck” looks here! ) Tires will be available separately, and Surly also plans on selling the Moonlander as a complete, ($2350.00USD) and as a frame set ($700.00USD). The black frame with metalflake sparkle will be available later in the year, but in time for most Northern Hemisphere residents to get one for winter.

The bike will be supported with parts like the new 100mm wide “Clownshoe” rim, a double crankset made to clear the Big Fat Larry called the “MWOD” (Mr. Whirly Offset Double), and two more fat bike tires. One will be a very aggressively knobbed tire in a 3.8″ width called “Nate”, and another, smoother treaded tire, meant for paved riding, or sand and beaches, called the “Black Floyd”. Surly also announced a revised “Marge” rim, which borrows from the Roling Darryl design, and promises a weight in the 600 gram range. Dubbed the “Marge Lite”, it will be available in October. Finally, the Pugsley will be available in a “Black Ops” model featuring the previously mentioned MWOD crankset and Larry 3.8′s on Rolling Darryl cut out rims.

Ogre 29″er (Image courtesy of Surly Bikes)

Ogre 29″er: Surly also presented a new model based on the 26″er Troll called the Ogre. Much like a mash-up of the old Karate Monkey and the Troll, the Ogre will feature lots of versatility while retaining some of the Karate Monkey hallmarks like the bent seat tube and disc or cantilever brake capabilities. The rear drop outs are right from the Troll, as are the rack, fender, and trailer capabilities. Surly will also offer this model in what they termed as a “supersized 24 inch” size.

Look for the Ogre to be offered at a sub $500.00 price for the frame set in a Medium Green sometime near the end of the year.

Karate Monkey for 2012 (Image courtesy of Surly Bikes)

Refreshed Karate Monkey for 2012: The Karate Monkey bows for 2012, its tenth year, as a slightly trimmer, leaner frame than ever before. With the Ogre 29 carrying the freak flag high, it makes sense for the Karate Monkey to hone in more on the dirt side. Surly drops the cantilever option and lightens the tube spec on the fork somewhat. Look for Karate Monkeys in the same Battleship Grey and Cash Black colors for $475.00USD frameset and $1120.00USD for the complete. Slated for a late 2011 drop in your local Surly dealers showroom.

Intense Bikes Reveals 29″er Hard Tail In…..Carbon!

(Image courtesy of Intense Cycles Blog)

Yes, yes……another carbon hard tail for 2012. This time from the minds at Intense Cycles, who perhaps are better known for ground breaking 29 inch full suspension designs. This model, teased on their blog recently, seems to be another stealthy black, internally routed, tapered steer tube compatible frame with chain stay mounted disc brakes and perhaps what appears to be a PF30 type bottom bracket.

Intense Cycles is noted for being an aluminum company, but recently have delved into carbon fiber construction with the news over the summer of their Carbine model. Now the “Hard Eddy” appears to be the second carbon fiber offering from this company.

Intense promises a full reveal next week at Eurobike, so stay tuned. If you want to se more teaser shots, hit the link here. We’ll have our European contributor, c_g busy scurrying around the Friedrichshafen showrooms, so maybe he’ll track down more about this one. Don’t hold yer breath though! The Eurobike show will be awash in big wheels this year!

Like 1995, Only With Bigger Wheels!

Images of the Breezer Lightning 29 have surfaced all over the web, and it looks to be a great steel hard tail. The design of the head tube and front triangle seem to borrow heavily from the recently announced Ritchey P-29 steel bike, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to find out that it actually is the same head tube, at the very least.

Details that can be counted on are Breezer drop outs, D-Fusion tubing spec, and chain stay mounted disc brakes, all things Joe Breeze designed or is a believer in. One more thing, we’re betting it’ll handle great in the twisties! Hopefully we can find out more, and perhaps ride one at Interbike.

Well, that’s just a skimming of what is to come starting later next week as we offer you exclusive Eurobike coverage and Interbike coverage later in September. Stay tuned……

Twenty Nine Inches - 29er Bike Reviews, Rumors and News